Ethan sat upon the Blackwood Throne, the symbol of absolute authority over the empire and the union. The room was filled with silence, save for the faint hum of the security systems scanning for potential threats. Before him stood his most trusted officials—the enforcers, the economic overseers, the intelligence heads, and the military commanders.
The moment had come. The true test of his reign.
He tapped the armrest of the throne, summoning a holographic display. The world map materialized in front of him, divided between Blackwood Union territories and the last few independent nations.
"Report," he ordered.
General Tobias Hale, head of the Blackwood Armed Forces, stepped forward first. "The military has successfully integrated all former national forces into the Unified Blackwood Defense Corps. Every soldier now swears allegiance to the Union, and any resistance has been… eliminated."
Ethan nodded. "Casualties?"
Tobias responded without hesitation. "Minimal. Most opposition fell apart the moment we cut their funding and resources. However, a few remaining rogue factions continue to resist. They are being handled."
Ethan turned to Victoria Langley, the chief economic strategist. "And the financial status?"
Victoria adjusted her glasses. "The Blackwood Currency is now the dominant global reserve, completely replacing former economic standards. The wealth gap has been fully realigned under Union control. Those outside the Union…" she hesitated, "…are experiencing severe financial collapse. Their leaders are begging for admittance."
A smirk tugged at Ethan's lips. "Let them beg."
Then, he turned to Lance Donovan, the head of intelligence. "And the surveillance measures?"
Lance's voice was low and calm. "Total compliance. The Blackwood Watch monitors all communications, transactions, and movements within Union territories. We've identified possible dissidents and neutralized potential threats before they could act."
Ethan drummed his fingers against the throne. "And the few remaining independent nations?"
Lance's expression darkened. "They are desperate. Their governments are crumbling, their resources are depleting. Some are preparing for war, but without medical supplies and fuel—both of which we control—they won't last long."
Ethan leaned forward. "Then it's time to make the offer."
He raised his voice so the entire chamber could hear. "All remaining nations have 24 hours to submit to the Blackwood Union. If they comply, they will be granted entry and stability. If they resist—" he gestured to the military commander "—they will be erased from history."
A heavy silence filled the room.
Then, with a sharp nod, Ethan dismissed them.
The fate of the world was now sealed.
---
Skylar POV – Confrontation in the God's Chamber
Skylar stormed into Chris's private chamber, her hands clenched into fists. The man she once knew as her husband, now the God of the Empire, sat in deep meditation, his presence still and unmoving.
"Chris." Her voice was sharp, demanding attention.
His golden eyes opened slowly, but there was no surprise in them. "You're angry."
She exhaled harshly. "You promised not to interfere, but this—this is madness."
Chris tilted his head slightly. "Ethan has only done what was necessary."
Skylar's voice wavered. "He's turning the world into something unrecognizable. He's wiping out entire nations, stripping away independence. And you just sit here… watching?"
Chris stood, his presence overwhelming even in the dim light. "I told you, Skylar. I am no longer the ruler. I do not interfere unless necessary."
Her heart pounded in frustration. "And when does it become necessary, Chris?"
A long silence. Then, his gaze darkened.
"When he makes a mistake."
The words sent a chill down her spine.
For the first time, she realized the truth.
Chris was not absent. He was waiting.
And when the moment came, the God of the Empire would act.